For the first time in many years I am not sad to see summer go. In fact I hope that this summer packs its bags and hits the road never to be seen again. The last three months have been an agonizing blur of stress, worry, and more stress. So, goodbye summer and hello fall! For those of you who have happily spent the summer soaking up sunshine, swimming, and cooking on the grill here are a few favorites from past years when I too sent summer off with a bang instead of the boot.

Coconut Mango Swirl Ice Cream – Creamy, cold, tropical perfection. I miss my ice cream maker!

Herbed Butterflied Grilled Chicken – This just might be grilled chicken nirvana. Packed with flavor and incredibly moist, you will fight over the leftovers.

Grown Up Smores – Ginger cookies + Warm Gooey Marshmallow + Oozing Chocolate = Camping Heaven

Maque Choux (A Louisiana Corn Dish) – AKA, the best thing you can do to put up a boatload of sweet corn.

Wild Plum Tart – Get outside and forage for your dessert! This beauty of a tart shines with acidic wild plums.

Garden Gazpacho – Are you starting to see tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers in your sleep? Put a dent in the produce drawer with this sublime combination of summer in a soup.

Burrata on Grilled Bread – This has a permanent spot on my ‘last meal’ menu. It doesn’t get any better than this!